150 An Independent Pediatric Practice in The Suburbs of D.C.

At The Heart of Pediatric Care: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Hirsch. M.D., FAAP

In this episode, the hosts interview Dr. Steven Hirsch, a pediatrician with an independent practice Hirsch Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland. The discussion covers the intricacies of running and maintaining a pediatric practice, the importance of attention to detail, the advantages of independent practice, and the significance of having a well-designed office environment. Dr. Hirsch shares his journey, vision, and passion for pediatric care, emphasizing the emphasis on patient experience, the role of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the financial aspects of running a successful practice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:53 Dr. Hirsch's Journey to Pediatrics
01:35 Designing the Perfect Pediatric Office
03:12 Recruiting and Retaining Staff
06:12 Independent Practice vs. Hospital Systems
08:42 Challenges in Practice Management
09:37 Training and Mentoring New Physicians
15:31 Importance of Patient Relationships
20:54 Quality Measures and Vaccination Rates
27:11 Impact of Sick Visits on Practice Revenue
27:39 Balancing Sick Visits and Well Visits
29:03 Patient Portal and Triage Strategies
30:29 Embedding Mental Health Services
33:18 Challenges of Mental Health Integration
34:26 Running a Pediatric Practice: Analogies and Insights
36:59 Managing Work-Life Balance in a Small Practice
40:37 Telemedicine and Office Management
45:50 Financial Realities and Pediatric Practice
51:32 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook